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How consolidation affects Alto, Baldwin

News Staff

Friday, May 22, 2026

By Hannah CaudellIf Baldwin were to one day consider consolidating the city’s fire department with the county’s, it may mean the city of Alto and current Baldwin firefighters would suffer the brunt of the consequences.

Alice Venter, former mayor and council member on Baldwin’s City Council, expressed frustration during Tuesday’s regular meeting public comment section. Her complaint stemmed from a letter written by Mayor Doug Faust to County Manager Tim Sims about Councilman Joe Elam’s communication with the county. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Miscommunication leads to strife on council

News Staff

Friday, May 22, 2026

By Hannah CaudellA bout of miscommunication in Baldwin came to light on Tuesday night involving informal conversations with the Habersham County government about fire service consolidation.

Habersham County High School will hold its graduation Friday night at Raider Stadium. (File)

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HCHS ceremony Friday evening

News Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Hannah CaudellHabersham Central High School seniors will be walking across the stage on Friday to receive their diplomas, the symbol of over a decade of perseverance and hard work for most students.On May 22 at 8 p.m.

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TFS ceremony Friday morning

News Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Hannah CaudellStudents from across the region and across the world will be brought together to celebrate their completion of high school at Tallulah Falls School (TFS).

Jessalan Smith checks in to vote with poll worker Leslie Trowbridge at the Habersham South precinct Tuesday morning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Voters cast ballots in primary election

News Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Samantha SinclairVoters headed to voting precincts Tuesday morning to cast ballots in the General Primary Election.Habersham South Precinct Poll Manager Stephanie Martin said voters were lined up waiting to vote as doors opened at 7 a.m., and the flow was steady as the morning progressed.

The Habersham Central Band of Blue marches up Washington Street in the Mountain Laurel Festival Parade. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Celebrating America’s 250th

News Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Zach TaylorThis year’s Mountain Laurel Festival celebrated America’s 250th anniversary, with red, white and blue scattered around the city.Clarkesville Main Street Director Rosie Cantrell said the event drew a good turnout, with more than 2,000 people attending the festival.

The new proposed zoning map, right, shows the revision that eliminated the Conservation Subdivision district, placing those properties in the Agricultural district. (Submitted)

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Feedback prompts UDO changes

News Staff

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

By Samantha SinclairThe Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) has had some revisions, and Commission Chair Bruce Harkness would like to see at least one more town hall meeting to present the document and gather responses from the community before the commission adopts the document.

Election 2026

Primary Election Results

News Staff

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

All precincts, unofficial: Special Election - County Commission District 3Danny McClellon 4432Jason Smith 3371 Special Election - ESPLOSTYes 5502No 3449 County Commission District 2Andrea Harper 2874Shelley Tullis 4052 County Commission District 3Danny McClellon 3892Jason Smith 2962

Families enjoy last year’s Cornelia Music Festival. (File)

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Music, drones take stage in Cornelia

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Samantha SinclairCornelia Music Fest will be held in the city’s newest park with a new grand finale.The concert is from 5-10 p.m. Saturday in Donald Anderson Park. But, instead of fireworks to close the night, the city will have a drone show.

Election 2026

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Tuesday is Election Day

News Staff

Friday, May 15, 2026

By Samantha SinclairAs turnout inched into double digits this week, leaders were looking for more people to take the time to vote in the May 19 primary.